Effect of a unilateral hind limb orthotic lift on upper body movement symmetry in the trotting horse.

ABSTRACT: In trotting horses, movement asymmetry is associated with ground reaction force asymmetry. In humans, limb length differences influence contralateral force production. Here we investigate whether horses, in immediate reaction to limb length changes, show movement asymmetry adaptations consistent with reported force differences. Aim of this study was to quantify pelvic and compensatory head and withers movement asymmetry as a function of limb length changes after application of orthotic lifts. In this experimental study movement asymmetry of eleven trotting horses was calculated from vertical displacement of poll, withers, sacrum and left and right tuber coxae with inertial sensors. Horses were assessed in-hand under 5 conditions (all with hind limb boots): without orthotic lifts, and with

SUBMITTER: Vertz J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6013171 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature